Greg Barber Green Tips

Tip #18 - What Is Rock Paper, And Why Is It Considered A Green Paper?


by Greg Barber
11/04/2009


Rock paper? Yes! I'm not sure how many have heard of this paper but rock paper is made from approximately 85% Limestone and Calcium Carbonate. I call it recycled rock paper, since it is made from torn down buildings.


Here are some of the things you should know and take into consideration about rock paper:


The environmental aspects

  1. There is no water used in making this line of paper. With a world wide water shortage, this is becoming as big an environmental plus, as landfill waste.
  1. There is a huge savings in energy to make rock paper.

What are the most common uses of rock paper?

Rock paper is available in 4PT and 5 PT for labels, soap wraps, and brochures, and heavier weights, like 16 PT, for boxes, pocket folders, business cards, etc. It looks like dull coated paper, and prints like coated paper. The ink colors are vibrant, and pop out.


Why should I use it anyway and not recycled paper?

Rock paper is terrific for labels that need to last a long time, and brochures that need additional strength. The rock paper is tear resistant, as well as being waterproof. Also,this paper has a distinct feel. When I give out business cards on rock paper, everyone comments on how cool this line feels. It has a satin type feel.

Is it more expensive to use rock paper in comparison with recycled paper?

Rock paper is less expensive than other durable sheets such as Yupo, the paper used in the award winning book by William McDonough and Michael Braungart "Cradle to Cradle". It is 70% less than Yupo. Compared to the higher priced, coated recycled grades and our 96 brightness lines in 100% PCW, it is approximately 20% higher in price, which may equate to a print price of 10% more.

Any cons?
Rock paper can only be printed via offset. However, we have found that we can print on an ink jet press, and I am making an accordion folded calender for next year. It will last the year, easily, in my wallet.

We specialize in printing on the two rock paper lines, TerraSkin and FiberStone. We use vegetable based inks and we like to seal the inks with a water based AQ. If you want to try rock paper for your next printing job or you want further information about it, please email me at greg@ecofriendlyprinter.com